Celeste F. Brinkman
January 19, 1919 ~ March 15, 2011
Rochester: Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Predeceased by her husband, Gerald F. Brinkman; grandson, Joseph L. Grinnan. Survived by her loving children; Leslie (Joseph) DelPopolo, Jeanne (Joe) Grinnan, Margaret J. Matteliano, Gerald M. (Diane) Brinkman; grandchildren, Mary Beth (Greg) Tuttle, Michael (Noel) Cronmiller, William (Dawn) Cronmiller, Steven Cronmiller, Joseph Grinnan, Laura (Terry) Glenn, Gala Matteliano, Emma Brinkman, Anna Celeste Brinkman; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins; countless honorary children and grandchildren. Celeste was a proud third grade teacher at Sacred Heart School for over 20 years and a longtime resident of the Thousand Island Park Community. She was an inspiration to many and no one ever went hungry in her presence.
Friends may call Friday 3-8 PM at the Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home 1075 Long Pond Road, Greece Chapel. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday 9 AM at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Internment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Reach Out Radio, WXXI Radio, 280 State Street, Rochester, NY 14614 in her memory.
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Although 3rd grade is but a distant memory Mrs. Brinksman is not. For within my siblings and I is a piece of her and in turn my children.
Thanks Mrs. Brinkman
Class of 1970
Anna, Chef, Diane, Jeanne, Joe and family,
I just want to say how truly sorry I am about the passing of Gram. I was truly honored to be able to get to know her and spend time with her these past summers at the cottage and in the kitchen at the Hotel. I wish I could be there at this time. Just know I am thinking of you all.
Love, Lindy
Dear Gerry and Diane, I was so sorry to read of your Mom’s passing. She was such a beautiful woman and always greated me with such warmth at the hotel She was a great teacher. My kids all attest to that.Please know that I am thinking of you at this sad time.
Dear Jeanne and Joe: Read of your Mom’s passing today. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Sincerely,
Mary Mulcahy Farrell
Expressing my sympathy on the passing of Mrs.Brinkman. She taught some of my children at Sacred Heart School. I visited with her when I was at 1000 Island Park two years ago. It was so nice to visit with her. My family sends their sympathy to all the Brinkman Family. The Devers
Ger,Diane, We’re sorry for your loss. I’m sure you and the girls took great care of her. If we can help in any way…
Gerry & Diane,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I was unable to make it tonight, but my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time.
Bev Gushue
Gerry and Diane…I am very sorry for the loss of your Mom. Although this is a stage in our lives that is inevitable it does not make it any less painful.
Please know you are in my prayers and giving you a hug in my thoughts being sent your way.
May the Lord be with you and yours…Kare
Hi Cronmillers,
I’m so sorry about the loss of your grandmother. I will never forget 3rd grade, and your grandma will be in my heart forever.
Mary Berube
I am so saddened by this news and send my deepest condolences to all. Mrs. Brinkman was indeed a beloved teacher at Sacred Heart and we all benefitted from her instruction. Bless her, and bless all of you.
Kind regards, Patty Moynihan
I worked with Celeste at Sacred Heart for 8 years. There was always a warm smile on her face and something pleasant to say. She had a lot of spirit, loved her classes and was very proud of her family. It sounds like she left her mark on all she met. My heart goes out to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Brinkman was just a lovely women who touched so many of us at Sacred Heart. It was also great to see her during the summers at TIP. Even after all these years from when she taught me in 3rd grade she would always greet me with the warmest of hellos. Just as she did ever day when you walked into her classroom!
It’s times like this that I regret straying so far from home. Please know that I am thinking of you all and that I will hold my memories of Aunt Cel in my heart always. I take comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with Uncle Gerry and others that took the journey before her. May God Bless each one of you in your time of need. – Your cousin, Barbara
Love you Aunt Cel
Mrs. Brinkman’ was one of the best teachers of my life! She asked me what I was doing for the summer in 1975 and I told her about the 1000 Islands and she called my father and rented our cottage…the rest is history! Many thanks to the Brinkmans for the years of great food at the hotel. And thanks for sharing Celeste and her upbeat teaching style with many in the Moynihan family. She was a great, kind and compassionate person! Condolences to all the Brinkmans.
With love,
-Patrick Moynihan
My deepest sympathies go out to Leslie and her brother and sisters with the passing of her mother, Celeste. It was only by sheerest chance that I came upon the notice of Celeste’s passing. How strange the world works. The notice brought forth a flood of memories from decades past, all the way back to Owen Street. It’s been a long time. May Celeste rest in Peace in God’s Hands.
My heart goes out to all of you and I am so sorry I am unable to be there to celebrate Aunt Cel’s life. You are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Know that you are not alone…and may you find comfort in the Lord during this time of great sorrow- Love, Diane
So sorry for the loss of your mom. She was my absolute favorite teacher and I’m so glad I got to tell her that when I saw her last summer at the hotel. Celeste was the perfect name for her – her classroom was heavenly and she was always so kind, patient and loving. What a great lady! Sincerely, Caroline (Moynihan) Herberger
To the Brinkman Family.
Very sorry to hear of Celeste’s passing. We are currently in Florida so we are unable to get to the calling hours.
She was a great lady and will be missed in TIP.
Our sympathy to you and your family,
Sincerely, Kathy & Monk D’Agata
We have wonderful memories of Celeste both at the Islands and many for me teaching with her at Sacred Heart. So sorry we could not be there to celebrate her life, but we are with you in spirit and love. She has left quite a legacy and a void in that beautiful family. Can we come up this summer and take her place chopping veggies in the kitchen at the hotel? Amazing Woman! Love to all! Tom and Lynne Kinsella